DOL Cuts Insurance Paperwork: Less Hassle for Businesses

2026-11140 — Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.

2026-05492 — Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary: Notice of Court Vacatur

The court has canceled the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule that changed who counts as a trusted investment advisor for retirement plans. Starting April 20, 2026, the old rules from 2020 will be back in charge, affecting financial advisors and retirement plan managers. This means advisors should review their practices to stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly mistakes.

2025-14281 — Pooled Employer Plans: Big Plans for Small Businesses

Small businesses get a big boost with new guidance on pooled employer plans (PEPs), which help them offer better, cheaper retirement savings options. The government is asking for feedback to create clear rules that make joining these plans easier and more affordable. Starting soon, these changes aim to save workers money and help small employers attract great employees.

2026-11222 — Exemption for Certain Prohibited Transactions Involving the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman) Located in New York, New York

Starting June 9, 2026, and lasting five years, certain Goldman Sachs asset managers in New York can keep using a special exemption despite past legal issues. This helps retirement plans work smoothly with Goldman managers while making sure they follow important rules and act responsibly. If plans want to stop working with Goldman, they can do so without big costs or problems.

2026-11063 — Proposed Exemption Involving the Abiomed Retirement Savings Plan Located in Danvers, MA

The Abiomed Retirement Savings Plan in Danvers, MA, wants permission to hold special financial rights called contingent value rights (CVRs) and get payments from them. Without this okay, these moves would break some important retirement rules. If approved, the exemption starts retroactively from November 15, 2022, and folks have until July 20, 2026, to share their thoughts or ask for a hearing.

2026-11134 — Proposed Exemption Involving the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 99 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Fund (the Fund) Located in Cranston, Rhode Island

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 99 Fund in Rhode Island wants to buy property from their own Realty Corporation, which usually isn’t allowed under the rules. If approved, this deal could save the Fund about $45,000 every year. People have until July 20, 2026, to share their thoughts or ask for a hearing before the exemption takes effect.

Previous: 2025-13656 — Notification of the Removal of Conditions of Entry on Vessels Arriving From the Republic of Djibouti

Good news for ships coming from Djibouti! The Coast Guard is dropping the extra entry rules that used to slow them down. This means smoother sailing and faster arrivals with no extra fees or delays starting now.

Next: 2025-13658 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a public webinar to talk about managing Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass fishing. Fishermen, seafood lovers, and coastal communities will hear about possible changes to fishing rules that could affect when and how much fish can be caught. The meeting is a chance to stay informed and have a say before any new rules roll out.